Effect of house dust mite allergen on sleep parameters and sleep quality

Purpose The role of nasal problems such as allergic rhinitis in the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is controversial. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of house dust mite (HDM) allergen on sleep-related problems. Methods In a retrospective study patients were classified according to the house dust mite (HDM)-related specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) level into a low HDM-IgE group (group A) and a high HDM-IgE group (group B). Polysomnographic indices, OSA severity, and self-administered questionnaire results were compared between groups. Correlational analysis was used to identify associations between specific IgE values and sleep parameters related to respiratory events. Results A total of 327 patients were enrolled. N1 stage ratio, apnea index, and apnea–hypopnea index were significantly higher in group B ( P = 0.010, 0.003, and 0.002 respectively) than in group A. N2 stage ratio, and lowest and mean oxygen saturation were significantly lower in group B ( P = 0.001, 0.001, and